|
|
Post by tcmb04 on Aug 8, 2005 23:00:43 GMT -5
I sent a proposal for a construction clean. When i met with her and looked at the units(condos) she was concerned with me being one person cleaning (i can't afford to hire anyone at this time) because there is times they need the unit done. I told her well maybe she could give me the ones not needed immediately since she was concerned. I sent her my list i do as you see on my website and haven't heard back from her i was thinking of sending a follow-up letter but i am going to go check in with her. These units are 1200 and 1500 sq. ft. I didn't think i was too high wasn't going to make that much on it and i had to charge extra for the windows these have a screen around deck with low windows around needs cleaned in between. Have any ideas of how is the easiest way to clean them? i was thinking of a sponge and use a long handle to reach in there but, i don't think that would come out clear.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin on Aug 8, 2005 23:12:15 GMT -5
Ok ive seen this question before, You have to be stronger when giving your estimate. You need a back up plan for also landing bigger jobs. (this is where having a friend or family that can help out is beneficial) When you first starting out, and a large job comes along, you do not want the customer to perceive that you can not handle it. Even just a on-call part-timer would be beneficial. You want your service to grow, you might not have the financial ability to hire some one tomorrow. (remember if you keep doing what your doing, you'll keep getting what your getting) have a plan to take on larger jobs, bid in that extra $8-$9 an hour for a helper. And next time walk in and say NO Problem, we can handle it.
In regards to the windows can you take off the screen?
|
|
|
|
Post by tcmb04 on Aug 8, 2005 23:33:38 GMT -5
I don't want to lie to a person though. I don't have any family or friends that would help either. The people out here do not want to work they just want to get paid or they think they are too good to work for that amount. For instance i work at a motel that i have been for about 3 yrs. now along with doing my own, anyway this girl that works there too wants to be paid above and beyond what she is worth i have seen her work there is more to it but will not go into too much information.
I will take in concertration your suggestion though. No the screens do not come off.
And making only $180.00 on a construction clean of 1200 sq. ft. i think that is way too low at .15 cents a sq. ft. but it seems to be the going prices out here are 12-16 cents. That to me is cheaper that a deep clean in someone's home.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin on Aug 8, 2005 23:42:39 GMT -5
You are not lying, you eventually will have to have a plan so you can take bigger jobs, and more jobs. Hiring and keeping good help is hard, you will learn alot in this process. If you walk into large jobs and say its just me, more than likely they are going to say sorry. There is too much risk, you want to design your business to be pro-active and not reactive (prepared for any situation that comes your way.. )maybe if you cant find any reliable or help that you are comfortable with call another cleaning service or person in the area, and ask for some help on larger jobs, ask the hourly wage for their help. Or you could have accepted the job and subcontracted it to another service for a lower price. I think though in your area you can find someone who wants a job, and is willing to work hard.. Keep on looking?
In regards to the windows the screens do not come off? at all? I do not understand is their any way of getting a brush or squeegee, towels in there?
|
|
|
|
Post by tcmb04 on Aug 8, 2005 23:53:01 GMT -5
Very tight squeeze in between probably work but i worry about just smearing instead of actually cleaning. I never ran into one made like this.
Other cleaning services will help out there competitors with help on jobs? never heard of that. Just so i understand this right if i bid on a job and know that i may have to hire a couple people then after i figure my price for the job by sq. ft. by size then i want to figure in for how many hours for a couple more employees and that is the price i turn in right? Sorry if i sound stupid but i am trying to make sure i understand tired of getting ripped off by these one time cleans and etc's...
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin on Aug 9, 2005 0:04:58 GMT -5
No such thing as a stupid question. Yes there are other cleaning services in your area, just starting out and as slow as you. Sign them as a subcontractor. You own the account. As far as hiring an employee. Decide what you want to make an hour with supplies, and what your going to pay the helper . For example if your cleaning a new construction, and you want to average $20.00 a hour with supplies, and you have a helper making $8 an hour it takes you 8 hours to clean ( your price would be $224.00) you can alter the price to get the job by lowering you pay, and having your helper do more of the work  Very tight squeeze in between probably work but i worry about just smearing instead of actually cleaning. I never ran into one made like this. Other cleaning services will help out there competitors with help on jobs? never heard of that. Just so i understand this right if i bid on a job and know that i may have to hire a couple people then after i figure my price for the job by sq. ft. by size then i want to figure in for how many hours for a couple more employees and that is the price i turn in right? Sorry if i sound stupid but i am trying to make sure i understand tired of getting ripped off by these one time cleans and etc's... |
|
